Scroll on or step in - the digital bystander dilemma

20 April 2026

In the Spring 2026 issue of the CREST Security Review, Dr Anna Davidovic examines how and why people intervene or fail to intervene when they encounter harmful behaviour online.

The article introduces the idea of the ‘digital bystander.’ These are individuals who witness concerning activity in online spaces and have the ability to act. Rather than a simple choice between action and inaction, Davidovic shows that online intervention exists on a spectrum, from reporting content to more subtle actions such as supporting victims or privately messaging others.

Her research highlights several barriers to intervention, including uncertainty about whether action is needed, concern about social or reputational risks, and a tendency to assume platforms will take responsibility.

From a security perspective, digital bystanders can contribute to the early identification of risks, including in counter-terrorism and insider threat contexts.

The article concludes that platforms should be designed to better support and encourage bystander action, alongside efforts to build users’ confidence and skills. (Image credit: CREST)